Diocese to Present Annual Awards for Service to the Church/Community

(LINCOLN RI)— The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence will honor fourteen individuals and one group for their service to the Church and/or community at a dinner on Wednesday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln. Proceeds from the event will benefit elder care services at St. Martin de Porres Multi-Service Center in Providence and Fruit Hill Day Services for Elderly in North Providence.

The awards recognize those who have provided outstanding service to their parish, the diocese and/or the local community. The ten categories are: Administration & Stewardship, Community Service and Charitable Outreach, Catholic Education, Communications, Distinguished Catholic Youth, Evangelization, Friend of the Diocese, Parish Service, Public Service and Respect Life.

“The Lumen Gentium Awards honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding personal contributions to the life of the Church and the wider community throughout Rhode Island,” said Bishop Tobin. “In their service they personify the inherent goodness of our Catholic Faith, and for that we are all most grateful.”

In 2013, the diocese presented the first Lumen Gentium awards, raising $50,000 through the awards dinner that benefitted the Emmanuel House homeless shelter in South Providence. In 2014, the proceeds of nearly $75,000 helped support food pantries, soup kitchens and nutritional programs serving those in need across the diocese. Last year Catholic Education was the recipient of the proceeds from the event receiving $80,000 to provide scholarships for students of needy families.